Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has entered its final phase but faces another delay, with fuel loading for Unit 1 postponed due to pending technical and regulatory clearances. Global sanctions, payment challenges, political disruptions, and transmission delays have slowed progress, despite strong oversight by the IAEA and extensive local workforce training.
once operational, Rooppur will supply 2,400 MW of noncarbon baseload power, marking Bangladesh’s entry into the nuclear era, though commercial operation is unlikely before 2026-27.Bangladesh’s long-awaited entry into the nuclear power era has encountered yet another setback. Fuel loading for the first 1,200 MW unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), the country’s largest and most technologically complex development project, will not take place on December 25 as previously scheduled, according to project authorities.
the delay underscores the intricate technical, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges facing the project as it nears its final stages.
officials say that a series of final technical and safety verification processes remains incomplete, preventing fuel loading at this time. While the milestone was expected to mark a decisive step toward power generation, authorities have refrained from announcing a revised timeline, stating that a new date will be formally declared once all regulatory requirements are satisfied.
although the postponement is disappointing, experts emphasize that delays at this stage are not unusual for nuclear projects, where safety, security, and international oversight take precedence over rigid timelines. With most construction work completed and commissioning activities well underway, Rooppur is now moving cautiously toward a milestone that will define Bangladesh’s energy future for decades. Bangladesh’s Largest Single Investment Project The RNPP is Bangladesh’s largest single investment project, with an estimated cost of USD 12.65 billion.
the majority of the financing has been provided through loans from the Russian Federation. Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is implementing the project on a turnkey basis, covering technology supply, construction, and human resource development.
the plant uses Generation III+ VVER1200 reactor technology, widely regarded as among the safest in the world. Construction began in 2017 at Rooppur in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district, following the signing of a comprehensive intergovernmental agreement with Russia. Due to earlier delays, the commissioning timeline was revised, setting 2026 for Unit 1 and 2027 for Unit 2.
impact of Global and Domestic Challenges The Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent Western sanctions on Russia significantly disrupted project implementation. Sanctions delayed the replacement of equipment and the delivery of components originally sourced from Europe, while also complicating financial transactions with Russian contractors.
although construction continued during the COVID-19 pandemic under special arrangements, delays occurred in building transmission infrastructure. While transmission lines connecting the first 1,200 MW unit to the national grid are now ready, completion of the full transmission system may extend until the end of next year. Sanctions also complicated loan servicing and payments to Russian companies. While due payments have been deposited in local banks, transferring funds abroad remains a challenge.
in addition, the student-led mass movement in August 2024, which ended the Awami League’s 16-year rule, disrupted construction activities and supply chains for several months, further contributing to delays. Revised Loan Terms and Oversight Changes In response to the accumulated delays, Russia extended the loan tenure by two years under a revised agreement. Observers note that during the previous government’s tenure, Rooppur was treated as a priority project under direct oversight of a high-level committee at the Prime Minister’s Office. Following the formation of the interim government, that level of institutional focus reportedly declined. Currently, the Finance Adviser also oversees the Ministry of Science and Technology and is actively working to expedite completion of the project despite multiple responsibilities. Meanwhile, a high-level mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited Rooppur earlier this year and gave a green signal for preparations to begin power generation. Readiness of Local Human Resources An official involved with the project since its inception, speaking on condition of anonymity, said nuclear power plants differ fundamentally from conventional fossil fuel-based facilities.
every stage, from construction to commissioning, requires clearance from national and international experts.
alongside construction, extensive human resource development has been undertaken.
according to the official, operational manpower is now fully prepared.
trained personnel have completed the required testing, certification, and formal handover processes as outlined by the construction team. Safety, Security, and Regulatory Compliance A nuclear scientist told Energy and Power that every aspect of nuclear power plant operation must comply with stringent national and international standards. Safety, security, and safeguards are the three guiding principles.
these include finalizing on-site and off-site emergency systems, radiation monitoring arrangements, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
all processes must be reported to the IAEA.
according to the scientist, the construction team hasalready handed over the plant to the commissioning team, composed primarily of locally trained professionals. Cooling tests and the hot run test, conducted using dummy fuel to simulate reactor behavior, have already been completed. Regulatory certification is now required before fuel loading can proceed.
official Confirmation and Expected Timeline Saikat Ahmed, Focal Point of the RNPP Construction Project and Senior Scientific Information Officer, confirmed that cooling and hot run tests have been completed. ‘Fuel loading for Unit 1 was scheduled for December 25,’ he said. ‘However, some final tests and verifications are still ongoing in compliance with regulatory requirements. Fuel loading will not take place on that date.
once a new timeline is finalized, it will be officially announced.’ Another source indicated that fuel loading may take place in January.
once completed, the commissioning team will formally hand over Unit 1 to the operational team, composed entirely of Bangladeshi personnel, under the supervision of Russian experts and national regulators. From Fuel Loading to Power Generation Following fuel loading, at least one month will be required before electricity generation begins. Power output will increase gradually – at 5%, 10%, and 20% capacity – before synchronizing with the national grid at around 30% load.
the entire process from fuel loading to initial grid connection may take up to three months, while full commercial operation could require an additional 9-10 months. Project Progress, Technology, and Grid Readiness Structural work for both units is nearly complete. Current efforts focus on system integration, equipment testing, and final safety verification in line with IAEA guidelines.
the VVER-1200 reactors feature multilayered safety systems, including a core catcher.
installation of major equipment-reactor pressure vessels, steam generators, turbines, and auxiliaries-has been completed. Most testing activities are now being carried out by Bangladeshi engineers under Russian supervision. Cost, Financing, and PPA Uncertainty While the total project cost remains USD 12.65 billion, the electricity generation cost is still uncertain, as no Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has yet been signed between Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited and BPDB. Professor Dr. Shafiqul Islam of the University of Dhaka estimates that generation costs could range from 7 to 9 US cents per unit, depending on operating load and delays. His updated study incorporating the four-year delay is currently under review. Human Resource Development and Skills Enhancement More than a hundred Bangladeshi specialists have already completed advanced training in Russia and domestically to operate the Rooppur NPP. Several hundred additional engineers and officials are undergoing phased advanced training.
a significant number of these trained professionals will assume responsibilities in reactor operation, safety management, and maintenance.
even before formal commissioning, most testing activities at Rooppur are being carried out by domestically trained personnel under the supervision of Russian contractor staff.
international Oversight and Safety Compliance Multiple missions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have already visited the project site and described the progress in safety compliance as satisfactory. Several additional international audits will be conducted before full commissioning in 2026. Since the decision to construct a nuclear power plant was taken, Bangladesh has worked at every stage with guidance, clearance, and oversight from the IAEA and relevant international experts.
under this supervision, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) was established and has been actively involved at every phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project.
a New Era in Bangladesh’s Energy Sector The RNPP, the largest technological milestone in Bangladesh’s power sector, is now nearing completion.
initiated in 2017, the project is rapidly becoming a reality and is set to usher in a new chapterin energy security, technological advancement, and economic growth.
the acquisition of advanced and complex nuclear technology represents a transformative leap for Bangladesh’s energy future, elevating the country’s global standing.
the RNPP has also driven significant infrastructure development in Pabna and surrounding areas, including roads, housing, education, and healthcare facilities, while creating hundreds of skilled and unskilled local jobs. Global Nuclear Power Outlook By the end of 2024, approximately 417 nuclear reactors were operational worldwide, with a combined capacity of 377 GW, generating 2,667 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. Currently, 70 nuclear reactors are under construction across 15 countries, with a planned capacity of 64.5 GW.
according to IAEA data, global nuclear capacity is projected to reach 992 GW by 2050. Meanwhile, 31 countries have committed to tripling nuclear power capacity by mid-century. GlobalData estimates current nuclear generation capacity at 395 GW, which could rise to 494 GW by 2035. SMR deployment is also gaining momentum globally, with several European and Asian countries already adopting the technology.
the IAEA estimates that 24% of new nuclear capacity could come from SMRs.
the United States has also begun work on micro modular reactors, reinforcing nuclear power’s future role in low-carbon development. Bangladesh’s Nuclear Future Once operational, RNPP will supply 2,400 MW of baseload, non-carbon electricity and is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 7 million tonnes.
over its 60-year lifespan, emissions reductions could reach 600 million tonnes. Bangladesh’s Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan targets 10,000 MW of nuclear capacity by 2050.
experts believe the Rooppur site could accommodate two additional 1,200 MW units at a lower marginal cost. Conclusion The latest delay at Rooppur highlights the complexity of delivering a nuclear power project amid geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory rigor, and domestic political change. While missed deadlines have tested public patience, the cautious approach reflects the realities of nuclear safety and international compliance. With construction nearly complete, local expertise fully mobilized, and international oversight ongoing, Bangladesh stands closer than ever to entering the nuclear power era. Fuel loading, expected in early 2026, will mark a historic turning point. Yet full commercial operation of Unit 1 is unlikely before late 2026, with both units reaching full capacity by 2027. Rooppur is more than a power plant.
it is a technological leap, a strategic investment in energy security, and a long-term commitment to low-carbon development.
the final steps may be slow-but for nuclear power, precision matters more than speed.